Google Product Search is a consumer focused tool that lets internet users browse for items they want to buy before making a purchase. The user can explore highlighted items on the homepage or search for specific brands, models or products. Search results are displayed a few different ways. The top of the page presents the user with the top five items while images are displayed below and invite the user to browse by brand or other specifications. For example, a digital camera search lets the user browse by resolution. Users can also see which products other consumers considered. A list of filter options is presented along the left side to further refine the results. Users can see the products while reading about specifications, prices and features. Google Product Search was launched into beta in 2002. The application was originally called Google Products and Froogle. It is intended to help users compare prices and features. The concept was initially developed by Craig Nevill-Manning, a New Zealand computer scientist responsible for founding the company’s first remote engineering center. Although many users adore the sorting options and quick results offered by Google Product Search, others dislike the inclusion of expired eBay auctions and promotion of the company’s checkout service. Google Product Search makes it very easy for users to explore a product as well as alternative models. The application includes a number of ways to filter results so they are useful to the person who may be making a purchase. The user can see bestsellers as well as similar items and sort by category-specific characteristics. A list of additional features can help the user streamline the browsing process so the select the best model or product at a good price. Anyone who has used any Google application in the past will easily recognize the Google Product Search interface. The search utilizes the familiar white background, blue text and Google logo. Results are displayed with images as well as a short descriptive link, price and seller URL. The result layout differs slightly based on the type of product being searched. Filters are easily accessible to the left so the user can quickly refine results. Google has created a layout that gives the user everything they need within easy reach. Visitors can search for products using Google Product Search without an account. Google does not require an account for this application and the user can access all product listings and filters. Users who would like to register can click the white “Sign In” link in the upper, right hand corner of the page. The blue “Sign up for a new Google account” link on the next page directs the user to the registration form. The form asks for a first and last name, username, password, date of birth,, gender, mobile phone number, alternative email address and Captcha code entry. Google Product Search is available to all users for free. There are no subscription fees and the user can search as often as they like. No purchases are required to maintain account access. Of course the application will most likely encourage the user to make purchases online, however this is not a requirement and no additional fees are added if the user decides to buy. Users can find numerous products and see price ranges as well as a number of other relevant details for free. Google Product Search is a helpful tool for consumers who plan to make online purchases. Users can find item listings and check the average price of an item or view the bestselling models to decide which would make a good fit for their purposes. The application covers any product imaginable and offers unique filters that are tailored to the type of product being searched. Users who already have a Google account will be more enticed by the familiar design.

• No login is required to search for products
• Results are sorted so users can easily browse by brand or specification
• Filters let users refine results so they are easier to manage
• Prices and features can be compared before the user buys
• Enormous selection of products is included and searchable
• Available in many languages

http://www.google.com/products